Substation is agreed by cllrs

Plans for the formation of a 400kV electricity substation and associated infrastructure at Newton of Sandford, Boddam, were agreed by members of the Buchan Area Committee on Tuesday.

An application from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council for approval and was unanimously agreed at the Arbuthnot House meeting.

The site, which will be surrounded by a 2.4m security fence, is within the Energetica Corridor, which runs from Aberdeen to Peterhead.

The proposed substation will comprise two transformer buildings and two buildings with electrical equipment.

It was confirmed at the meeting that a planned amenities building is no longer incorporated in the plans.

The proposal also includes 2 new towers, each 59m in height and will be of a similar lattice steel design to the existing towers currently supporting the line.

A landscaping scheme has been proposed to mitigate any adverse visual impacts associated with the development.

In addition, a footpath will link the site to the former railway line.

In the report, planning chief Stephen Archer said: “The main planning issues are the principle of the development, the design, and the environmental impact the development would have on the site and the surrounding area.

“The applicant has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts associated with the development and has demonstrated that, subject to satisfactory mitigation being put in place, the proposal is capable of being undertaken without harm on the surrounding environment and population,” he says.

“The amendments to the previously approved scheme are considered acceptable and will not have a significant adverse enviromental impact.

“Importantly, the proposal will help facilitate energy generation within the north-east, in line with National Policy.”

Members will be recommended to grant planning consent for the development.